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Curtly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ช
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curtly

[หˆkษœrtli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

spoken language

In a brief and often rude manner.

Synonyms

abruptly, brusquely, terse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
curtly

Used again, with similar context: a concise and often impolite manner of responding.

  • She answered curtly, 'No, I'm not interested
  • '
abruptly

Used when something happens suddenly and unexpectedly, often disrupting the normal flow of events or conversations.

  • He abruptly left the meeting without any explanation
brusquely

Used to describe a manner of speaking or behaving that is noticeably blunt and unfriendly, often with a hint of rudeness.

  • The boss brusquely ordered everyone to work overtime
terse

Used when a statement is short and directly to the point, often perceived as being slightly rude or abrupt.

  • His email reply was terse: 'Accepted
  • '

Examples of usage

  • She replied curtly, 'No, thank you.'
  • He spoke curtly to the waiter, demanding his bill immediately.
Context #2 | Adverb

written communication

In a concise and to the point manner.

Synonyms

briefly, concisely, succinctly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
curtly

Used when someone speaks in a short and seemingly rude manner. Often implies impatience or irritation.

  • He responded curtly when asked about the incident.
  • She curtly dismissed the waiterโ€™s attempt to engage in small talk.
concisely

Used when information is presented clearly and with as few words as possible. Often associated with effective communication.

  • She concisely summarized the main points of her presentation.
  • He answered the questions concisely, saving everyoneโ€™s time.
briefly

Used when summarizing information in a short amount of time. Neutral tone, often used in explanations or summaries.

  • She explained the rules briefly before starting the game.
  • He briefly mentioned his vacation plans during the meeting.
succinctly

Used similarly to concisely, but often with a focus on precision and clarity. Suitable for important and formal communication.

  • The report was written succinctly, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
  • He put forward his argument succinctly during the debate.

Examples of usage

  • The email was curtly written, getting straight to the main point.
  • His report was curtly summarized in a few sentences.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Communication Styles

  • People might speak curtly when they are upset or feeling rushed, which can make others feel unwelcome.
  • In professional settings, speaking curtly can lead to misunderstandings and a perception of unfriendliness.
  • Curt speech often contrasts with more polite, elaborative communication styles, highlighting emotional states.

Psychology

  • Curt responses can indicate underlying feelings such as irritation, frustration, or a desire to avoid deeper conversation.
  • Studies show that curt communication can affect relationships, often leading to conflicts or misinterpretations.
  • The receiverโ€™s interpretation of a curt statement may vary widely based on their mood and relationship with the speaker.

Literature

  • Many authors use curt dialogue to express tension between characters, highlighting conflict and emotion.
  • In literature, curt speech can efficiently convey a character's personality, often portraying them as blunt or harsh.
  • Famous literary works often contrast characters who speak curtly with those who have more elaborate speech to emphasize differences.

Pop Culture

  • In television and movies, characters who speak curtly are often portrayed as strong or emotionally closed-off individuals.
  • Memorable film scenes might feature a protagonist or antagonist delivering curt lines that reveal their intentions without elaboration.
  • Social media interactions often trend towards curt communication, reflecting the fast-paced nature of online conversations.

Origin of 'curtly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'curtly' comes from the Latin word 'curtus,' which means 'short or cut off.'
  • It entered the English language in the 14th century, originally referring to things that are shortened.
  • The transformation from describing something short to describing speech or mannerism occurred in the 16th century.

The word 'curtly' originated from the Middle English word 'curteis' meaning 'courteously'. Over time, the meaning evolved to represent a brief or blunt manner of speaking or writing. It has been used in English language for centuries to describe interactions that are short and sometimes perceived as impolite.

See also: curtail, curtain, curtness, curtsey, curtsy.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,932, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.